What Are the Treatments for Feline Acne?

Feline acne, a skin irritation that affects cats around the chin and lips, is common among domestic cats. In its mildest form, feline acne appears as blackheads which, if infected, may cause hair follicles to become swollen and develop into a secondary infection. In more severe cases, the infected area could develop into a cyst causing pain to the cat. Depending on the severity of the condition, several methods can be applied to treat feline acne.

  1. Antiseptic Soap

    • Disinfectants are particularly effective on mild to moderate outbreaks of feline acne. If the cat only has a little skin discharge or a few blackheads, clean the area daily using diluted antiseptic wash such as chlorhexidine until the affected area heals. Wipe the affected area after each meal, if possible, and avoid using other detergents such as antibacterial hand soap, which tend to leave residue and may damage the cat's skin further.

    Topical Medications

    • If the condition is serious, contact a veterinarian, who may prescribe a stronger cleanser such as benzoyl peroxide as an effective treatment. Ointments like Bactrodern can be applied twice a day to the infected area with minimal irritation.Topical gels intended for human use also can be used to treat feline acne. Some, such as benzoyl peroxide gels, can be too strong for cats. Consult a veterinarian, who will able to prescribe the appropriate concentration of drugs according to the severity of your cat's condition.

    Oral Antibiotics

    • Prescribed antibiotics such as Clavamox---a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate---are effective in treating and preventing infections in animals. Zeniquin and Baytril also can be used to treat feline acne, however, according to Mike Richards of Vetinfo, these medications tend to be more suitable for treating life-threatening infections so they should be used less frequently. Since antibiotics are prescription-only drugs, seek advice from your cat's veterinarian on the most suitable one for your cat and instructions on how to use them.